Rep. Ben Carpenter

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Alaska Department of Natural Resources to provide seismic survey data related to the Cook Inlet sedimentary basin to qualified individuals without charge. The law defines "qualified persons" as accredited research institutions, active oil, gas, or mineral explorers, or other entities where sharing the data serves the state's best interests. The department must make this data available unless it is legally confidential or comes from a private well owner who has not granted permission for public release. The provision also mandates that the department continue its existing duties to collect, evaluate, and distribute geologic data on seismic events and potential hazards.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Alaska's timber sales laws to allow the state commissioner to sell wood more quickly in specific situations, such as when trees are damaged by fire, insects, or disease, or when they are at risk of losing value soon. It also permits the commissioner to negotiate lower stumpage rates with local wood product manufacturers or fiber users to support local industry, provided the sale still meets state interests and the rate does not fall below a set base price. Additionally, the legislation requires the Department of Natural Resources to submit a detailed report to the legislature by the end of the 2025 fiscal year, outlining all timber sales made during that period and explaining any delays in the process.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow the Alaska Railroad Corporation to issue up to $135 million in revenue bonds to fund the construction of a new passenger dock and terminal in Seward. The new facility is required to be capable of handling vessels from the Alaska Marine Highway System, and the funds can be used to cover related costs such as debt service and interest. Repayment for the bonds would come specifically from the revenue generated by the dock, without pledging the general credit of the railroad or the state. Although the legislation was passed by the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes 4-H Day as the first Wednesday of October each year to recognize the positive impact of 4-H programs on youth development in Alaska. The law allows civic groups and the public to observe the day with suitable events and exercises. It does not mandate specific activities or require government funding, leaving the observance entirely to the discretion of community organizations.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a House Concurrent Resolution that formally honors United States military veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. It recognizes the health risks and sacrifices these veterans faced, noting that over 300,000 died due to exposure and that many more suffered from serious illnesses or genetic damage affecting their families. The resolution expresses the Alaska State Legislature's gratitude for the courage and service of these veterans but does not create any new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Alaska Board of Nursing to issue nonrenewable temporary permits lasting up to six months to nurses whose licenses have lapsed. These permits are intended for individuals who are applying to have their licenses reinstated and who meet specific requirements set by the board. The measure provides a pathway for these nurses to continue practicing while they complete the process of regaining their full licensure.

Maddy summaryHB 223 adjusts production tax and royalty rates for specific gas resources. The bill also establishes state loans and creates subsidiaries under the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority to support oil and gas projects in the Cook Inlet sedimentary basin. Additionally, it sets up a reserve-based lending fund for these projects and requires a legislative report on the development efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 347 updates Alaska's property tax laws by expanding exemptions for senior citizens, disabled veterans, and widows, increasing the tax-free threshold for primary residences to $250,000. The bill also allows municipalities to adjust voter-authorized residential exemptions for inflation and grants local governments more flexibility to offer tax exemptions or payment deferrals for economic development projects. Additionally, the legislation modifies rules regarding land division approvals in certain boroughs and cities, enabling authorities to approve subdivisions that have not previously received formal platting approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Council on Human and Sex Trafficking within the Alaska Department of Public Safety to coordinate anti-trafficking efforts. It also modifies the existing Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault by combining their executive director roles and expanding their duties to include standardized data collection and oversight of related programs. The new council will work with various state agencies and community groups to develop prevention strategies, manage grants, and provide technical assistance for services addressing human trafficking and domestic violence. Additionally, the legislation establishes the council's authority to conduct public hearings and report annually to the governor on its activities and recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a supplemental retirement benefits program for Alaska employees hired after June 30, 2006, specifically targeting peace officers and firefighters. Under the new rules, employers must contribute a set percentage of wages into individual employee accounts, which can be used to purchase optional benefits such as health, death, disability, and dependent care coverage. The legislation also adjusts contribution rates for teachers and allows certain active employees to opt into the supplemental plan if their employer is not already participating. These changes are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.